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CNET
15 hours ago
- General
- CNET
Should You Get a New Home Security System? Here's My Advice
Your home security system is like many other big investments in your home: Eventually, it reaches a point where it's too old or outdated to function well and needs to be replaced. I saw this many years ago when old wired-in security systems were replaced en masse by smart wireless hubs. Security systems continued to advance quickly, too: If your system is 10 to 15 years old or lacks critical features, it's time to look at what new kits can do. The good news is that updating a security system is far more affordable than, say, buying a new fridge or heat pump. Cheap systems with the latest features start at only $200 to $300. I've tested all the latest -- here's when I think owners should think about buying a significant upgrade. 1. Your system can't recognize people, packages or animals Nest's cam comes with free AI alerts and recognition. Chris Monroe/CNET A little AI in home security devices does wonders, especially cameras. Today, most major brands include algorithms that can identify people versus animals, and more advanced versions can recognize vehicles and packages, too. Settings allow you to only get notifications about the objects you care about (usually people and packages). That's a huge quality of life improvement, even if the object recognition is sometimes locked behind paywalls -- Google Nest, Eufy and Lorex are some of the brands that offer it for free. If your video doorbell or outdoor cameras (or devices like pet cams) are missing this technology, it's probably time for an upgrade. 2. You don't have any video storage Nest's free cloud storage is nice, but few cameras have it. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Years ago, security cameras were primarily live-view unless you wanted to invest in an expensive DVR setup. Video storage came slowly but surely, allowing you to automatically save footage when security cameras are triggered, then view it or share it with others. Today, you have options to upload video straight to the cloud -- usually via a monthly subscription -- or find a camera that offers local storage with a USB-compatible hub or a microSD card slot. If you don't have any video storage options at all, or you don't like your current video storage choices, think about changing to a camera that supports storage you like. You can find local storage without subscriptions, or jump to cloud storage for greater convenience as well. Video storage is very useful when you can't get to alerts right away or want to share footage with neighbors or police. And speaking of alerts… 3. You don't get smart alerts on your phone Tapo's app showing the ability to enable or disable notifications. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Today's home security systems are smartphone-friendly. That means you can arm or disarm them with an app from wherever you are, or remotely give people smart lock access on demand. You can also get immediate object detection alerts so you can switch to live-view while using two-way audio to check up on things at home. Some security companies require a subscription to unlock even smarter alerts, but they all have this basic phone functionality. If you can't control devices from your phone and get alerts, your security devices are several steps behind at least. It's time to find newer, smart models that can give you the updates you want. And don't worry, it's easy to customize these alerts so you only get the ones that are really important. A smart video doorbell that can send customized alerts is a major upgrade for any security system. Arlo/Amazon 4. Your wireless devices have frequent battery problems Battery packs are convenient, but watch out if they start struggling with battery life. Arlo Wireless security devices like cams or sensors should last at least a few months before needing a recharge. Some can even last for years with the right batteries. But if your batteries are only lasting a few weeks at the most, then something is wrong. Your settings may be leading to rapid triggers that burn down battery life, but in many cases the batteries are just getting old. That's especially true if they're starting to intermittently cut out power altogether. Hot and freezing temperatures can make these problems worse, too. Problems like these mean it may be time to pick out a new wireless model. 5. Your security system doesn't work with any other smart devices Simplisafe, Abode and many other brands offer easy add-ons for expansion. Simplisafe/CNET Many modern home security systems can support a plethora of third-party devices, working with smart locks from other brands, showing live views on Alexa-powered Echo Shows and many other tricks. Some even work with Google Home or Apple Home apps. Brands like ADT integrate well with Google Nest devices, while Abode and Vivint offer excellent third-party support for dozens of brands. With so many choices, you deserve a security system that works with the smart home devices you already have and the voice assistants or app platforms that you prefer to use. If you're juggling multiple apps to manage different parts of your smart home, look for a home security system that integrates with what you already have. 6. You can't expand on your current system Abode's starter kit is super affordable and works with many third-party products. Abode Most home security kits start you off slow, with a hub and a couple of sensors. But they leave plenty of room for future upgrades and purchasing individual new devices when you want more add-ons. The best security systems offer multiple types of access sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, leak detectors, security cams, smart bulbs, air monitoring -- it's a long list! But if you can't expand your security system with the add-ons you want or any third-party integrations, it's time to find a system that offers the products you need all under one hub. Take a look at the best DIY systems to learn more. Bonus future prep: Watch for Matter compatibility Matter and the related Thread protocols represent the most advanced standard in smart home tech, combining security and broad compatibility with platforms from Apple, Google, Amazon and plenty more. There's just one caveat: It's rolling out very slowly, and not all smart home devices work with it yet. That includes almost all home security cameras (video protocols are in progress but will take time to release) and similar devices. As Matter support keeps growing in home security, the lack of Matter is going to start becoming a warning bell for old security systems. We aren't quite there yet, but it's rapidly approaching. We'll keep you updated on the most Matter-friendly devices. For more on finding the latest home security devices, check out the best outdoor cams, the top video doorbells and review the worst places to put video cameras.
CNET
5 days ago
- Business
- CNET
I Hesitated at This Thermostat's Price Tag, but It's Paying for Itself by Cutting My Energy Bills. Here's My Experience
CNET's key takeaways $250 for a smart thermostat may sound like a tough deal, but mine is set to pay for itself this summer thanks to lower heating and cooling payments. Automated Eco Modes make energy saving easy, even if you don't have time to plan out your schedule. Local utility rebates may also help make the thermostat more affordable. My Nest Learning Thermostat Gen 4 is astonishingly beautiful -- I've had people stop in my hallway just to look at the shifting rain and sunset animations. But that beauty, and all the smart features inside, is pricey: At around $250, it's one of the most expensive smart thermostats I recommend. So why take the plunge? Because Nest's Eco modes are so effective, my Nest smart thermostat is set to pay for itself this summer through electricity savings -- and I barely had to do anything except set it up. Here's how it all works, and why I'm glad I kept this Nest smart thermostat around. Read more: One Tiny Gadget Is the Unsung Hero of Today's Smart, Energy-Saving Home My experience with the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th-gen A Nest Thermostat showing lightning. Google Nest With a larger dial than ever, the Nest Learning Thermostat 4 is well-suited to showing off, both aesthetically and with data-backed insights on indoor and outdoor temperatures, humidity and more. My favorite customization is putting the outside weather at the forefront of the display, which shows moving weather graphics that capture the current state of the skies, from falling snow to twinkling stars. Google's research indicates people save around 10% to 15% on their energy bills with a smart thermostat, which works out to an average savings of $132 to $145 per year. Nest's reports help you chart savings and troubleshoot energy problems. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Those numbers reflected my results fairly well. From early fall to the colder winter months, I saved around $10 to $15 per month with Nest's tweaks and by balancing my electricity usage with less costly natural gas heating. As the months warm up that number is growing higher, and I expect to save around $20 per month in the summer heat -- enough to pay for my thermostat sometime this year. After that, it's all gravy. Smarts behind a pretty face Nest Thermostat 4th-gen showing app controls, sensor settings and more. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Given permission, the thermostat learns my habits and adjusts heating and cooling levels in response. Auto-Eco mode, for example, will turn the thermostat down automatically if it senses there's no activity in the house, which saves more money. Adaptive Eco will take care of the details for me, while Eco Hold will stick to a money-saving temperature that I choose manually. The Auto-Scheduling function does something similar, since it learns how I adjust the thermostat throughout the day and mimics my comfort preferences over time so I don't have to keep tweaking the settings. Google Home makes it easy to apply weekly schedules in moments. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Adjust the temperature manually at any time and when you see the green leaf icon appear, you'll know you're in savings mode. That makes it easy to adjust on the fly when the temperature feels about right, but you'd like to squeeze more savings out of the thermostat. Nest's Eco Modes also generate reports so I can see monthly progress and note any sudden problems or unexpected energy use. If there's a strange jump in energy use, the scheduling may be off, or you may be using electricity-hungry devices too much (my space heater and I are guilty of this). There's also a gamified "leafs" competition against other users that I don't care much about, but it's there for those interested. Satellite sensors and other ways to save Thermostat satellite sensors are one of the best inventions for home heating. Tyler Lacoma/CNET My Nest model also came with a satellite sensor, a little white puck that wirelessly transmits the temperature where it's placed to the thermostat. I can tell the Nest Learning Thermostat 4 to turn on or off based on its own built-in readings, on the readings of the satellite sensor, or a combination of both. Sensors like these help thermostats be more accurate based on where you actually spend time. For example, if I'm going to be spending the evening in a movie session at my TV or computer, I can bring the sensor along and when those heat-exhaling electronics heat up my personal space, the thermostat will take that as a sign to shut off early. The Nest thermostat smart home integrations are very limited, but that does make it easier to set up. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Then there are the peak hours programs, under names like Peak Perks, Rush Hour Rewards, Nest Renew from Google and other labels that indicate a partnership with utility companies. If your local utility supports these programs, you can join up and your Nest thermostat will make additional small changes throughout the day, avoiding the often-pricier peak hour energy use when possible. You give up some control of your thermostat with programs like these, which may displease some users, but it does enable you to save more. Many energy providers will also offer bonuses or rebates you can use to recoup the cost of an expensive thermostat even faster. A quick note about setup: If you're worried about installing the thermostat in your home, there's not much to fear from the process. I have a full guide here, but as long as you practice electrical safety and snap a picture of your current thermostat wiring, setting up the Nest Thermostat Gen 4 and getting it connected to Wi-Fi shouldn't be a problem, especially with Google Home app walkthroughs. The specs for the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th-gen Diameter: 3.9 in (98 mm) Depth: 1.1 in (29 mm) Weight: 5.7 oz (161.8 g) Display: 2.7 inch (68 mm) diameter circular liquid crystal display (600 x 600 pixels) Sensors: Soli sensor for Motion Sense, Temperature, Humidity, Ambient light Power consumption: Less than 1 kWh/month Power source: HVAC system wiring C (common) Wire: Not required Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11n (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) HVAC system compatibility (Check your Nest compatibility here): Most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant. It can control: Heating 1, 2, and 3 stages (W1, W2, W3); Cooling 1 and 2 stages (Y1, Y2); Heat pump with auxiliary and emergency heat (O/B, AUX, E); Fan (G, G2, G3); Power (C, RH, RC); Humidifier and dehumidifier (HUM, DEHUM); Ventilation (VENT). Smart home: Works with Google Home and Matter Warranty: 2-year standard for retail, 5-year standard for HVAC Pros Certifications: Energy Star-certified CNET's buying advice Nest's thermostat is one of the best high-end models I've seen. Tyler Lacoma/CNET It turns out a $250 to $280 smart thermostat isn't such a tough sell when I can see how mine will pay for itself in just about a year. It offers a plethora of energy-saving modes that users can pick from to rack up monthly savings -- most of them automated without requiring tinkering or calculators. I've even seen it available with rebates and free installation to speed up that payoff date. While Nest's circular thermostats have always had a flair for the dramatic, the Gen-4 model blows away the competition with a larger design that makes the most of its beautiful LED lighting and presence sensing to light up whenever someone walks past. The bright green leaf icon always shows instant savings for those who don't want to dive too deep into app management. Those who do want to explore the app will find settings for seasons, learning behaviors, weekly schedules and lots more.
CNET
6 days ago
- Business
- CNET
The Smart Video Doorbell I Recommend to Everyone Is Still On Sale After Memorial Day
A video doorbell is the perfect security accessory for monitoring your front door, porch, driveway and all around your home. It's even ideal to put at the entrance to your small business. This device can help with little things like greeting visitors and seeing when package arrives. It can also come in handy if something bad were to happen, since you'd have everything recorded on the doorbell. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Whether you're traveling, hosting family and friends, want to keep a closer eye on your property or you want to protect someone who is elderly or just starting out on their own, this Google Nest Doorbell is one of my favorite devices in home security. After reviewing a dozen doorbell models, I still use a version of the Nest Doorbell myself. And right now, you can snag one in the color Snow (white) for only $129 at Walmart. It's a great deal, especially given that Memorial Day has come and gone, so we wouldn't expect the discount to last much longer. If you're interested in a different color for the Nest Doorbell, others are discounted as well, but not as much as the Snow variant. Snow - $129 ($51 off) Ash - $140 - ($40 off) Ivy - $150 ($30 off) Linen - $170 My testing of video doorbells revealed two important qualities of the Nest doorbell. First is its AI-powered object detection. Most doorbells have it, and many even offer it free, like Nest does. But I found Nest's doorbell recognition abilities to be especially accurate. It can recognize people and packages flawlessly, while avoiding triggers from vehicles (you can also set motion zones to ignore passersby and others). Those recently updated AI recognition qualities are getting even better as Google incorporates its Gemini AI into Google Home. That now allows me (in the beta program, at least) to ask specific questions about when the trash was taken out, and also to get AI descriptions of exactly what happened to trigger an event. Those are fascinating features, if you're willing to pay for a Nest Aware subscription. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. I also love how Nest handles cloud video storage. I get three free hours of storage without needing a subscription before the video expires. That's unusual in the doorbell world and gives me plenty of time to check on an event, even if I can't get to the live view right away. That makes this doorbell a solid pick for people who want to avoid monthly fees. Nest cams continue to get new features, including Google Home for the web, which allows you to view the camera feeds through any online device. This video doorbell is also tough enough to work in all kinds of weather. It isn't perfect -- the resolution is a bit low, for example, and I wish Nest would release a third-gen model -- but it is still my preferred front door device so far. Technical specs for the Google Nest Doorbell Dimensions: 0.95 by 1.8 by 6.3 inches 0.95 by 1.8 by 6.3 inches Weight: 7.3 ounces 7.3 ounces Video resolution: 960x1,280 pixels 960x1,280 pixels Video format: H.264 H.264 Video frame rate: 30 fps 30 fps Field of view: 145 degrees Why this deal matters Many video doorbells, including this one from Nest, are available in wired and battery forms, with the battery model usually costing a little more. In this case, it's no contest: I highly recommend getting the battery doorbell whenever possible. While wiring a doorbell in yourself is usually easy (and gives you access to the built-in chime), a battery model allows you to adjust height and placement of your camera, so you get the exact view you want. Video doorbells usually need to be placed right beside the door, around 4 feet up. Not all doorbell wiring allows for this (my house doorbell certainly doesn't). Also, the Nest Doorbell comes with an angled attachment you can use to point the doorbell away from nearby walls so it covers more of the action. For more, don't miss the remaining Memorial Day deals still going on Walmart.
Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Hisense extends ITS ConnectLife platform to third-party devices via Google's home APIs
QINGDAO, China, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, announced today the integration of Google's new Home APIs into its ConnectLife app, enabling users to bring their third-party smart home devices into the ConnectLife ecosystem by this fall. This move enables Hisense's ConnectLife app users to seamlessly onboard and control not only Hisense products, like TVs, refrigerators, and air conditioners, but also a wide array of popular third-party smart home devices, creating a more integrated smart home experience. This announcement coincides with Google I/O 2025's smart home announcements, where Hisense is featured as a launch partner for Google's new Home APIs. This integration leverages Google's Home APIs' access to over 750 million devices, including Matter, "Works with Google Home" certified, and Google Nest devices. The expanded connectivity brings enhanced device compatibility and sophisticated automation capabilities, enabling users to control both Hisense products and third-party devices, such as smart plugs, lighting, doorbells, curtains, and more, all within a single app. ConnectLife users will be able to seamlessly bring third-party devices to enable experiences that will enhance entertainment, pet care, air quality, and more. One-touch modes and customized automations can blend Hisense products with third-party devices to create intelligent home responses, such as air conditioners automatically adjusting based on third-party air quality sensors, or smart lights providing visual notifications when the Hisense refrigerator's VersaTemp drawer reaches the ideal temperature for chilling drinks. While visual notifications via smart lights have existed, Hisense's integration allows users to easily configure these detailed cross-device interactions directly within the intuitive ConnectLife app. This simplifies setup for benefits like having third-party smart lights visually alert users who are hard of hearing, when hands are busy with tasks around the house, or when people prefer to keep their phones silenced, providing a seamless, unified smart home experience without the need to juggle multiple third-party apps for configuration. "At Hisense, we are committed to simplifying smart living for everyone," said Miguel Becerra, Director of Smart Home Experiences, Hisense Americas Region. "This integration enhances ConnectLife to create seamless experiences that make everyday life more convenient and enjoyable for our consumers." The enhanced ConnectLife app with Google Home APIs integration will be available this fall for both Android and iOS platforms. About Hisense Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 160 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 2 worldwide in total TV shipments (2022-2024) and No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-2024). As the first official partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide.
Cision Canada
23-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Hisense extends ITS ConnectLife platform to third-party devices via Google's home APIs
QINGDAO, China, May 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, announced today the integration of Google's new Home APIs into its ConnectLife app, enabling users to bring their third-party smart home devices into the ConnectLife ecosystem by this fall. This move enables Hisense's ConnectLife app users to seamlessly onboard and control not only Hisense products, like TVs, refrigerators, and air conditioners, but also a wide array of popular third-party smart home devices, creating a more integrated smart home experience. This announcement coincides with Google I/O 2025's smart home announcements, where Hisense is featured as a launch partner for Google's new Home APIs. This integration leverages Google's Home APIs' access to over 750 million devices, including Matter, "Works with Google Home" certified, and Google Nest devices. The expanded connectivity brings enhanced device compatibility and sophisticated automation capabilities, enabling users to control both Hisense products and third-party devices, such as smart plugs, lighting, doorbells, curtains, and more, all within a single app. ConnectLife users will be able to seamlessly bring third-party devices to enable experiences that will enhance entertainment, pet care, air quality, and more. One-touch modes and customized automations can blend Hisense products with third-party devices to create intelligent home responses, such as air conditioners automatically adjusting based on third-party air quality sensors, or smart lights providing visual notifications when the Hisense refrigerator's VersaTemp drawer reaches the ideal temperature for chilling drinks. While visual notifications via smart lights have existed, Hisense's integration allows users to easily configure these detailed cross-device interactions directly within the intuitive ConnectLife app. This simplifies setup for benefits like having third-party smart lights visually alert users who are hard of hearing, when hands are busy with tasks around the house, or when people prefer to keep their phones silenced, providing a seamless, unified smart home experience without the need to juggle multiple third-party apps for configuration. "At Hisense, we are committed to simplifying smart living for everyone," said Miguel Becerra, Director of Smart Home Experiences, Hisense Americas Region. "This integration enhances ConnectLife to create seamless experiences that make everyday life more convenient and enjoyable for our consumers." The enhanced ConnectLife app with Google Home APIs integration will be available this fall for both Android and iOS platforms. About Hisense Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 160 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 2 worldwide in total TV shipments (2022-2024) and No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-2024). As the first official partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide.
